The Skinny on Obesity

Have you been tipping the scales lately? You're not alone.
"A worrisome epidemic" is how the authors of recent findings
describe obesity trends in the United States. The study, titled,
"Obesity in the United States," notes that between 1960 and
1980, rates of obesity were stable; however, from 1960 through
2000, obesity accelerated at an alarming rate. The primary
causes? Lack of exercise and overeating.

What
is particularly disturbing are the findings that show obesity
in children is on the rise; the study attributes childhood
obesity - at least in part - to the amount of television children
watch daily. Children who watch fewer than two hours a day
of television are less likely to be obese than children who
watch TV more frequently. The study also found that 15 percent
to 20 percent of young adults between the ages of 17 and 20
would be ineligible to join the military because of excess
body weight, and that three in 10 adults are obese.

Some of the factors associated with adult obesity, the study
notes, are levels of education and income; however, a lack
of physical activity and excess calorie consumption were identified
as two primary reasons that obesity has increased over the
past 20 years.

Obesity can cause and/or contribute to a number of health-related
issues, including diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis,
and other chronic conditions such as fatigue and depression.

If you are obese, overweight, or just have a few extra pounds
to lose, your doctor of chiropractic can help you design a
healthy eating and fitness plan.

Reference:

Crespo CJ, Arbesman J. Obesity in the United States. The
Physician and Sportsmedicine 2003;(31)11.